Filters for the Steam Industry
If you work in an industry that requires sterile compressed air, steam filters are essential components within your systems. Steam applications can range from cleaning and sterilization, propulsion and motive solutions. Filters ensure a purified form of steam and gas that’s free of contaminants.
Chase Filters and Components has an inventory of steam filters readily available, and customizable solutions to support your needs.
Applications of Steam
Steam can transfer thermal energy because of its high enthalpy — or, the gas’ internal energy. It’s an odorless and colorless gas that takes on three common forms.
- Saturated steam: When an equilibrium occurs between the vapor and liquid states
- Superheated steam: Held at constant pressure and a higher temperature compared to saturated
- Wet steam: A two-phase mixture made of steam and hot water particles
Other forms include process and dry steam. Steam transfers thermal energy, industries use this gas to motors to sanitation systems. All three types of steam are used in various processes, such as:
- Aseptic packaging
- Brewery
- Chemical
- Electrical
- Fermentation
- Food and drink
- Pharmaceutical
Depending on the industry, different forms of steam can play roles in a range of applications, such as:
- Cleaning
- Heating and sterilization
- Humidification
- Moisturization
- Motive
- Propulsion
Steam is used in power generation to drive turbines and in manufacturing.
Cleaning
You can use steam to clean various surfaces — such as flooring, counters metal fixtures appliances and fabrics. An excellent example of using steam for cleaning in the industry is soot boilers. Coal or oil combustion deposits build up on the boiler walls’ interior. Steam is used to remove the buildup to keep the furnace running at full capacity.
Heating
Positive pressure steam for heating applications often supports the food/drink and chemical industries. For reboilers, reactors, exchangers and combustion air preheaters, saturated steam is the heating source. Vacuum steam temperatures are much lower than those of positive pressure steam. By adjusting the pressure, you can increase the temperature and ensure more precise controls.
Humidification
Many commercial and industrial facilities rely on humidification to condition the indoor air, especially during the colder months. HVAC coils combined with steam humidifiers are common forms of dehumidifier equipment.
Moisturization
The paper and pellet mill industries are two examples that benefit from steam for moisturization. You can use steam to add moisture and heat to a specific process.
Motive
Industries that require secondary pressure drainers, distillation towers and turbines rely on steam as a motive fluid. Steam acts as a direct force, moving liquid and gas through piping. Steam jet ejectors support air removal from turbine surface condensers to retain consistent pressure and support the vacuum process on different equipment like distillation towers to separate vapor streams.
Propulsion
For applications such as electricity generation and turbine compressors, steam acts as a driving force for propulsion. There is a push toward superheated steam among industries that use this technique to improve the efficiency process with higher temperatures. However, high-pressure saturated steam is often an alternative for applications that use turbine equipment. Separators within the piping system remove condensate from the steam in these situations.
Steam Industry Filter Applications
Steam filters do what you might expect — they filter and purify steam by eliminating any contaminants. The filter material traps contaminants like rust, dirt, chemicals and scale particles to ensure a purification process no matter the application. A filtration component traps any hazardous elements, keeping the steam and the system clean.
The steam then moves to the device’s downstream filters, where the sterilization process takes place. The system creates a smooth stream by reducing the differential pressure if there is a high steam flow rate.
These mechanical filter devices are prominent in various industrial applications, such as:
- Boilers
- Peelers
- Steam washers
- Turbines
Depending on your industry, you may operate with one main application or various machines and techniques that require steam. Anywhere that needs sterile compressed air, steam filters are a necessity. The benefits of steam filters within your system include:
- Increases equipment lifespan
- High efficiency
- Reduces operational and maintenance expenses
- Decreases staining and wetting
- Safe for food applications
Steam filters ensure an equipment’s openings remain shielded from damage and that your products are free of contaminants.
Steam Industry Filters
Consider a few factors when searching for the correct steam industry filter — filter media, steam form, filter element material and size.
Filter media choices include sintered, pleated sintered and pleated mesh filters. Knowing what kind of steam best suits your operations is also critical. For the filter element, stainless steel is the ideal material for extra durability. Stainless steel can withstand extreme temperatures and more pressure than other materials.
Determining the best size for your application is the final step. Sizes range from 0.2 micron to 50 micron.
When viewing the range of steam filters we have in stock, you’ll also want to consider our quality standards, warranties, filter housing material and the number of connections offered by Chase Filters.
Custom Filters for Steam Applications
At Chase Filters and Components, we have high-pressure, stainless steel filters available that suit various industries and steam applications. However, if you can’t seem to find what best suits your requirements, we can quickly complete custom engineering solutions.
We listen to your specific steam applications and customize a corrosion-resistant steam filter system that can withstand a broad pressure range. With our online inventory and tailor-made steam filters, you can save on downtime, maintenance and repair costs.
Chase Filters and Components guarantees 99% efficiency with our elements.
Contact Us for Steam Filters
With more than 30 years in the business, we can help you find the best steam filter for your operations. View our filter options online or reach out to a Chase Filters and Components representative to learn more.
